From electronics to automobiles and even massage chairs, Japanese products have earned a reputation for being well-designed, reliable and durable. Japan’s pursuit of perfection in product manufacturing derives from its rich culture of discipline and sincerity. The Japanese have achieved their manufacturing prowess mostly by doing simple things very well and doing them all the time. Slow but continuous improvement is a key component in the manufacturing practices and processes that originated in Japan.
Deeply ingrained Japanese philosophies drive quality
Kaizen
This is the practice of continuous improvement and is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. It involves making small, incremental improvements to the manufacturing process over time to achieve greater efficiency, quality and precision. Everyone in the organization is involved and responsible for finding ways to reduce waste, improve quality or increase efficiency. This collective dedication helps Japanese companies stay ahead of the competition and consistently deliver the highest-quality products.
Omotenashi
Omotenashi is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of hospitality and customer service. By prioritizing customers’ needs and preferences, companies that embrace Omotenashi can create products that are equally functional and aesthetically pleasing and meet their target audience’s unique needs. This approach to product development and customer service has helped establish Japan as a leader in the automotive, electronics and consumer goods industries.
Kikubari
A Japanese word that refers to the concept of anticipating the needs of others and paying attention to detail to provide exceptional service. This philosophy extends to every aspect of production and customer service, from selecting high-quality materials and meticulous assembly to anticipating customers’ needs and providing exceptional support.
Muda
A Japanese term that translates to “waste,” a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese manufacturing. Muda encompasses various forms of waste in processes, systems, operations, and strategies to eliminate it. Taiichi Ohno, a key figure in developing the Toyota Production System, identified seven types of waste and developed several strategies to eliminate it to streamline processes and maximize value.
Japanese manufacturing practices eliminate chaos from the production process
Just-in-time (JIT) production
This concept, also known as lean production, is a manufacturing philosophy that emphasizes producing goods in precisely the right quantities, at the right time and with minimal waste. JIT originated in Japan in the 1960s and 1970s and was a key strategy of the Toyota Production System (TPS) pioneered by Taiichi Ohno, a former Toyota executive, and Shigeo Shingo, an engineer and consultant. The goal of JIT is to improve efficiency and reduce costs by minimizing inventory and reducing the amount of time between receiving an order and delivering the finished product. Today, this production philosophy is widely embraced by companies worldwide.
Order-based production
Order-based prouction is a manufacturing practice that prioritizes the production of goods based on customer demand. Production decisions and processes are guided by product orders instead of forecasts or projections. With order-based production, companies avoid overproduction, reduce waste and maintain low inventories. This approach is a key feature of the Toyota Production System, which emphasizes the importance of customer demand in driving production decisions.
Total Quality Control (TQC)
TQC is a management approach used to optimize the quality of products and services by involving every employee in the organization. It is a holistic approach that aims to improve the quality of every process in the organization, from product design to customer service. TQC involves continuous improvement efforts, similar to kaizen, but TQC has a product-focused goal of achieving zero product defects and zero customer complaints. The approach was first developed in Japan, where it is known as “zenryoku shiage,” and has since been adopted by many organizations around the world.
OHCO luxury massage chairs embody Japan’s culture of quality
“Pursuing the last grain of rice in the corner of the lunchbox” is a Japanese saying that describes a person’s tendency to be overly scrupulous. But it conveys volumes about the country’s character. Diligent and meticulous, Japanese workers take great pride in their work, thoughtfully curating every detail.
OHCO luxury massage chairs embody Japan’s culture. From precision engineering that mimics an authentic shiatsu massage to the thoughtfully designed sensory features, OHCO chairs exude quality in every last detail.